When the Tribute Communities Centre sought a local artist to craft something special for the downtown Oshawa arena’s 20th anniversary, they didn’t have to look far.
Dani Crosby, an artist, illustrator, and educator who has been guiding budding artists at Durham College for over 15 years, had a strong portfolio of whimsical work that matched what Tribute Sales & Marketing Director William Balfour envisioned for the anniversary project.
Balfour wanted a unique poster that would celebrate the people, performances, and experiences that have shaped the venue since it opened as the General Motors Centre in 2006.
“We wanted to explore who was out there instead of just handpicking someone,” Balfour shared with INSAUGA Canada. “Dani was already on my radar and when we brought her in, I knew this was going to work.”
The artwork inspired by ‘Where’s Waldo’ pays tribute to two decades filled with “unforgettable concerts, exciting sporting events, family entertainment and behind-the-scenes memories” at the arena, which hosts teams like the Oshawa Generals and Oshawa Fire Wolves along with countless concerts from various genres including Elton John and Blue Rodeo to Kiss and Selena Gomez – plus exhibitions and shows of all kinds.
The operators of Tribute Communities Centre, Oak View Group, officially revealed the colorful and detailed poster on Tuesday morning. They also gave away a limited number of free 12” x 18” commemorative posters in celebration of twenty years since the arena’s opening on November 3.
This artwork beautifully blends two decades worth of entertainment into a lively collection showcasing recognizable faces, significant moments, and subtle details from the past 20 years. This includes personal touches for Crosby herself since she has attended many events at this venue with her son.
A particularly meaningful detail included in the illustration is a representation of herself alongside her son. It marks her first time adding such personal imagery into one of her commissioned pieces.
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“I want him to be able to look at this piece and unlock those memories from his childhood in the future,” she remarked.
The project initially started with around 70 visual elements but turned into one of Crosby’s most intricately detailed illustrations ever created. It features an amazing collection of performers, athletes, notable moments along with hidden references.
This poster captures memorable performances by major musical talents alongside sporting events and family-friendly shows while reflecting diverse experiences that have united audiences in downtown Oshawa.
Apart from well-known performers and events depicted in it, this illustration highlights smaller stories that make up its unique history. Scattered throughout are nods to special occasions like a marriage proposal during an Arkells concert or sound technicians working on skates during an Our Lady Peace concert as well as tributes to staff members who’ve contributed over time behind-the-scenes.
Balfour noted his vision saying: “I didn’t want this poster to be something fans looked at once and moved on from. I wanted people to explore it and discover something new every time they looked at it.” He also mentioned how capturing two decades’ worth of concerts required creating a bit of organized chaos.
“We also invited our team to share their favorite memories , stories , and inside jokes so we could add meaning beyond just performers or events themselves. My hope is that fans recognize special moments they’ve shared with family or friends or find out new things about our venue.” p >
Crosby’s distinctive illustrative style made her an obvious choice , according to Balfour , while allowing her room explore how people experienced TCC over its history. p >
“Creating this project felt like getting front-row tickets throughout twenty years’ worth entertainment , ” Crosby expressed.“This is big story formed through many small stories , which excited me completely. I really hope viewers feel connected both visually but emotionally too ; mainly I’d love if exploring became enjoyable experience itself – because that’s how I felt doing it.” p >
Working closely together made everything more rewarding , added Balfour. p >
“It was great collaborating alongside Dani through each step – exactly what we were after was some organized chaos; she definitely delivered!” p >
Crosby agreed wholeheartedly about enjoying collaboration experience too. p >
“Creating these intricate designs turned out not only fun but fulfilling especially having worked together toward telling unique stories tied back TCC itself…such depth added significantly changed my perspective regarding last twenty years.” p >
The final product emphasizes storytelling while fostering community ties among individuals relating places visited together over time. Working across traditional/digital mediums, Crosby’s signature approach integrates expressive lines, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing infused humor/surrealistic elements throughout body content.
Her artistry encompasses studio/public works + print/merch illustrations alongside collaborative initiatives involving clients ranging from Brew Wizards Board Game Café, Little Beasts Brewery, Durham Region Transit, etc. to larger commissions like multi-storey mural named ‘Turning The Wheel’ located within Mc Millan Parkade walls commissioned by City Of Oshawa.
As Tributes Community Center celebrates its twentieth year milestone presence within Oshawa area, this illustrated piece stands testament honoring not only entertainers/athletes appearing here historically, but also supporting audience members/staff/community contributors shaping memorable narrative overall.
Balfour emphasized further highlighting importance local connections saying,”Most employees staffing center originate locally; thus whenever opportunities arise (like now) we aim promote artists residing nearby!”
William Balfour of the Tribute Centre and Oshawa artist Dani Crosby
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